[img_assist|nid=348414|title=Fall Programs at 826Michigan|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=64]Have you heard about 826Michigan? It's a wonderful non-profit just around the corner from the Downtown library branch housed in the Liberty Street Robot Supply and Repair Shop. They inspire school-aged students to [b:1483290|write confidently] and skillfully with the help of adult volunteer from their communities. This fall, 826Michigan's Liberty Street location has a number of tutoring sessions, drop-in writing programs and creative writing workshops.

In addition to [:events/33777|tutoring options at AADL] and [http://www.brainfuse.com/highed/helpNow.asp?a_id=DE1518A6&ss=&r=|Brainfuse,] which you can access at any AADL branch or from the comfort of your own home with your library card, here's more about what 826Michigan has to offer this fall.

[http://myturncommunity.org/|My Turn] is a non-profit organization created by families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and is managed by the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Project Partners include the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Leslie Science and Nature Center, and Therapeutic Riding Inc., all of whom host Sensory Friendly Sunday sessions.

Each program will last for two hours and will allow My Turn visitors to have the opportunity to explore at their own pace and in their own way, in a less sensory stimulating and crowd-free environment. Families affected by [k:autism spectrum disorder|Autism Spectrum Disorder] are invited to attend each free program and participate in hands-on activities designed specifically for ASD audiences.

The next event will be held Sunday, September 11th from 10:00 a.m. - noon at the [http://www.lesliesnc.org/|Leslie Science and Nature Center.] Be sure to check out the events calendar to find a My Turn event through March 2017

You’re invited to have a great time while supporting a great cause at [http://www.dawnfarm.org/event/dawn-farm-43rd-anniversary-jamboree|Dawn Farm]'s Fantastic 43rd Anniversary Jamboree on Sunday, September 11th, 2016 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm! Admission and all activities are free! This is a great family activity with hayrides, pony rides, crafts and a children’s tent, too. Visit the [http://www.dawnfarm.org|working farm] or bid on unique items in both silent and live auctions. Food and beverages will be for sale for a variety of tastes. Funds raised from the auctions will help support critical addiction services for individuals who need help and lack resources. For more information, or if you would like to volunteer at the event, call 734-485-8725.

[http://www.annarborcil.org/|The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living], "a place for individuals with disabilities to come and get help from someone who’s been there, who’s lived it, and who’s been through it," will be holding a [http://www.annarborcil.org/2016/08/18/peer-support-and-networking-lunch/|Peer Support and Networking Lunch] on the third Wednesday of every month. The next lunch will be held September 21, 2016 from 12 pm to 1 pm in the Gathering Space at the [http://www.annarborcil.org/directions/|Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living]. Join the group for good food and good conversation!

The [https://www.ftc.gov/|Federal Trade Commission] has launched a helpful [https://identitytheft.gov|new website] to assist consumers with what to do in case you become a victim of the fastest growing crime in our country, identity theft. IdentityTheft.gov helps to get you started in the recovery process, or you can browse important steps to get to the point of recovery. AADL has a number of [http://www.aadl.org/catalog/search/subject/%2522Identity%2Btheft%2B--%2BPrevention.%2522|books] on the subject. Remember: IdentityTheft.gov. The information is available in Spanish: Robodeldentidad.gov.

If you've been asked for a picture ID and have been unable to produce it, you may likely be able to get a [http://www.washtenawid.com/home|Washtenaw County ID Card]. Applicants must appear in person at the [http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/clerk_register/washtenaw-county-id-card-program/apply#submit-application-to|Washtenaw County Vital Records Division]. There are point values attributed to a broad range of documents that can serve as proof for applicants to get a picture ID card when they may have been unable to get ID in the past. The cost of the card is $25.00 and is for all ages. Check out the Washtenaw County ID Project on [https://www.facebook.com/IDiskey|Facebook] to find out about events to promote the ID card. Community members are encouraged to get a [http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/clerk_register/washtenaw-county-id-card-program/county-id-card-application-bilingual|card] in an effort to de-stigmatize it for those who have no other identification card options.

Medications and personal care products are being detected in rivers, waterways, and groundwater. [http://www.a2gov.org/departments/waste-water-treatment/Pages/default.aspx|Wastewater treatment facilities] are not equipped to filter out these chemicals, so they are showing up in drinking water. Please don't flush expired or unnecessary medications! In order to protect our families and the environment, we must ensure that medications and personal care products are properly handled, stored and disposed. The [http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/environmental_health/recycling_home_toxics/medication_disposal#takeback|Pharmaceutical Take-Back Program] allows Washtenaw County residents to take back their old, unwanted medications to a pharmacy to be properly disposed. In compliance with the [http://www.fda.gov/regulatoryinformation/legislation/ucm148726.htm|Controlled Substance Act] (CSA), enforced by the Drug Enforcement Administration, this program DOES NOT ACCEPT any [https://www.dea.gov/druginfo/ds.shtml|controlled/scheduled drugs]. The "Big Red Barrel" program is a partnership with local law enforcement agencies. You can dispose of prescription or over-the-counter pills, INCLUDING controlled substances like OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet. You can find the list of Pharmaceutical Take-Back and Big Red Barrel sites [http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/environmental_health/recycling_home_toxics/medication_disposal/frontpage|here].

Come celebrate the re-birth of The Sensory Garden and meet organizations that provide services for people of all abilities on Wednesday, September 7 from 3:30 to 6:30 pm (rain date: Thursday, September 8). Located in the lower level of [http://www.a2gov.org/departments/parks-recreation/parks-places/Pages/LibertyPlaza.aspx|Liberty Plaza], The Sensory Garden first premiered in 2013 as a place to enjoy a [http://www.aadl.org/catalog/record/1478672|garden] of plants with textures, bright colors, and wonderful smells. While it was designed for people with disabilities in mind, it is intended to be enjoyed by everyone. Iced tea and other assorted tea-time refreshments will be served. This event is hosted by the [http://www.a2gov.org/services/disability-resources/Pages/default.aspx|Ann Arbor Commission on Disability Issues] and co-hosted by the [http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ann_arbor_host/index.php|Ann Arbor Host Lions Club].

[img_assist|nid=346304|title=|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=100|height=75]For many, August is a time of transition when education takes precedence over leisure activities. But, that doesn't mean that back to school can't be fun!

On Thursday, September 8th, the [https://spectrumcenter.umich.edu/|U of M's Spectrum Center] will host an annual LGBTQ Welcome Carnival. This free event is a great chance for new, and returning, students to meet with their LGBTQ peers and allies. This event is geared toward University students but all are welcome!

If you'd like to learn more about LGBTQ topics and authors, be sure to check out some of our [:user/lists/public/search/LGBT?page=1|public lists,] or create your own!